Vanilla Cardamom Syrup & A Hot Toddy

Posted on Friday, February 8th, 2013

Hot toddies really hit the spot this time of the year. When I ran across a hot toddy recipe using Vanilla Cardamom Syrup, I knew I had to make it because I had a bottle of my own handmade Vanilla Cardamom Syrup in the fridge. Cocktail kismet of sorts. I consider this luscious syrup a staple. It lives in between the real maple syrup and a bottle of homemade simple syrup in the fridge. I came up with this combination of flavors a year ago, when I spent a very fun day experimenting with herbal and spice simple syrups with my friend Melody. I like a drizzle of the Vanilla Cardamom Syrup on my morning yogurt too.

I have a terrible habit of scribbling down interesting recipes I find without also writing down the source. Why do I think I can remember it? I can’t remember what I ate for lunch by the end of the day. I’ve adapted this recipe a bit, but I’d like to give credit for the inspiration, which is missing in action. Here is my version.

Lush Lemon Hot Toddy

1 ounce gin

3/4 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice

3/4 ounce Vanilla Cardamom Syrup

4 ounces hot water

garnish of lemon wheels and lemon verbena leaves

Mix everything in a heat proof mug or glass and relax.

Vanilla Cardamom Syrup

2 cups water

2 cups organic cane sugar

2 vanilla beans, split down the middle with the seeds scraped out and put into the mixture

7 crushed cardamom pods (find them in bulk spices for less $)

Bring the ingredients to a simmer, and let the flavors mingle for 30 minutes. Strain and save the vanilla beans in the fridge or freezer for one more future cooking project. Store syrup in glass bottle in the fridge.